People's Association
Logo of the People's Association
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| Agency overview | |
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| Formed | 1 July 1960 |
| Jurisdiction | Government of Singapore |
| Headquarters | 9 King George's Avenue, Singapore 208581 |
| Parent agency | Ministry of Culture, Community and Youth |
| Website | www |
The People's Association (PA) was established in Singapore as a statutory board on 1 July 1960 to promote racial harmony and social cohesion. PA commemorated its 50th Anniversary in 2010.
The People's Association's (PA) logo is made up of one continuous element. This supposedly represents the PA's mission of connecting Singaporeans from all ethnic backgrounds to promote active citizenry and multiracial harmony. Different communities, represented by the circles, keep their distinct identities and cultural values while moving and interacting with one another in the common space. Our vision is one of all communities bonding closely together, increasing the common space and strengthening the nation. Red symbolises the passion and spirit of the different communities. It also supposedly signifies the growth and maturity of the people and the PA.
To counter racial and political tensions in Singapore during the 1950s and 1960s, and foster closer ties among different ethnic groups, the Government established the PA through an Act of Parliament, the People's Association Act. The statutory board came into being on 1 July 1960. According to the Act, the objects of the PA are, among other things:
(a) the organisation and the promotion of group participation in social, cultural, educational and athletic activities for the people of Singapore in order that they may realise that they belong to a multiracial community, the interests of which transcend sectional loyalties;
(b) the establishment of such institutions as may be necessary for the purpose of leadership training to instil in leaders a sense of national identity and a spirit of dedicated service to a multiracial community;
(c) the fostering of community bonding and strengthening of social cohesion amongst the people of Singapore;
(d) the performance of such other functions as may be conferred upon the Association by any written law; and
(e) the carrying out of such activities as appear to the Board to be advantageous towards, or necessary or convenient for, the furtherance of the objects of the Association as set out in paragraphs (a) to (d).
According to the Central Intelligence Agency of the US government, the People's Association had its origins as a national building programme 'designed to wean pro-Communist voters away from the opposition'. Besides serving as a communication channel between the government and ruling party at the top and the people below - making way for a more responsive government - it was also intended for the PA to blur the boundaries between the government and the party, such that 'the people tended to praise the party for activities undertaken by the government'.
According to the People's Association Act, the Association consists of:
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